Meet Mukah: EITM’s Complete (Very) Rough Guide

Welcome to Mukah

With Sarawak famed for its headhunters, longhouses and mysterious rainforest, Mukah often flies under the radar. How could such a small coastal town hope to compete with the sensory stimulation on offer elsewhere?

Easily. This charming backwater is one of Malay Borneo’s low-key attractions.

Indigenous tribal culture, tasty food and a surprisingly upbeat nightlife await visitors who may not expect such a seductive welcome.

Factor in wide-open spaces and a cool climate and the stage is set for a very satisfying stay. Mukah’s hypnotic charms will not take long to work their magic.

Why Go

Mukah’s greatest appeal lies in its relaxing ambience. Lacking the hustle and bustle of Sibu or, say, the synaptic overload of Gunung Mulu National Park, it’s the ideal place to simply amble along with no real agenda.

Vibe and atmosphere are key. There’s a river, there’s a beach, there’s evidence of tribal culture, the food is good. While it’s true that many visitors bypass the town, those who make the effort will find themselves unencumbered by the pressure to actually do anything.

Instead, the town represents an opportunity to simply breathe. The plentiful cafes and restaurants are perfect for world-watching while the chances of being hassled in Mukah are very slim. With the deficit of touts – the experienced reader can imagine the conversations – comes a certain relaxation.

Writers and bloggers in particular would find a home here. The setting is quiet enough to facilitate concentration but with enough going on to provide stimulation. Reached a creative dead end? Take a stroll down the promenade or seek inspiration from the mosque. Had a successful day? Celebrate with a Laoshan beer at a late-night street eatery.

As the Sungai Gigis river gently churns its way to the ocean, travellers with a few days in Mukah under their belts will find themselves following a similarly relaxed ebb and flow.

What expect

Whilst Mukah is not noted for its grand architecture or old-world chic it does offer a pleasingly self-contained environment.

Many of the main sights – the Masjid Setia Raja, the Taman Boulevard Setiaraja, the river – are centrally located while other main attractions are all easily accessible.

What stands out, though, is the effect of Mukah. It radiates a sepia dreamlike quality, heightened by the dusty colour palette. A revolving cast of characters – chatty Mormon missionaries on bicycles, mute sisters making noodles and many more besides – slowly reveal themselves while life’s loop continues afresh.

The impression is that of a Wes Anderson movie, centred on the retro-style, symmetrical Grand Budapest-esque Kingswood hotel. Subtle foibles and nuances rise to the surface and it’s not hard to imagine various escapades, heavy on the whimsy, unfolding behind closed doors.

Eating/drink

Food is not an issue in Borneo’s Mukah. It’s well-cooked, varied and there’s plenty of it.

Those looking for a carbohydrate fix should head to Honey Bakery, opposite the Bus Terminal. Sweet or savoury, hungry shoppers will find much to fill them up in this well-priced, central spot. As a rough guide, expect to pay 1.30 RM for a chicken roll.

The daily market adjacent to the boulevard is another culinary hotspot. Curries rub shoulders with delicious satay, as brightly coloured desserts and drinks catch the eye of the sweet-toothed. Noodles, rice and freshly barbecued chicken and fish are also on the menu. Typically a box of curry and rice will cost 6R while desserts tend to be on offer – 3 for 1R.

Fix fast food fetishes with the usual suspects; inversely, fresh fruit/veg is available in abundance. As for local cuisine, head to the myriad cafes and food courts for rice/noodles/soup/fried chicken dishes. Ah Bee Corner, a short walk from the bus terminal, is home to a particularly fine Won Ton Soup. Fresh ocean catches can be found at Medan Seafood next to the Royal Inn.

In general venue tends to stay open late. Certainly 1 Malaysia Cafe, next to Hotel Sarina, is a nice spot to watch the world go by.

For those who want a croon or a boogie, seek out the karaoke bars and nightclubs. Follow the screeches and dull bass thump.

What do

The Melanau (river people) are indigenous to Sarawak, Borneo and more can be found out about them at Lamin Dala visitor’s lodge and cultural centre. The riverside location at Sungai Tellian is a relaxing setting. A visit costs 3R. Call +60 19-849 5962 for more information, including about accommodation.

Head to the Taman Boulevard Setiaraja for Mukah’s most iconic view. Look toward the town from the water fountain and you will see the clocktower standing guard in front of the Masjid Setia Raja. The mosque is supposedly one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful; eagle-eyed observers will note how the roof mimics that of the Melenau headwear.

The standout, though, is the giralda-inflected clocktower. It seems to gently throb as the town’s heartbeat, and is a surprisingly low-key talisman. Those who enjoyed Madura’s Arek Lancor will find much to cherish here.

Head riverside along Jalan Boyan to see the Sago Factory chimney. Beside it, the Chinese temple, Tua Pek Kong, is worth a visit; wander round the back for a simple yet peaceful setting replete with statues, candles, incense and a fishpond.

As with many places in Southeast Asia, the street art in Mukah is an unexpected highlight. Mooch around the old town to find some prime examples.

Mukah’s litter-strewn beach is a 25-minute walk away. Sunbathing is inadvisable but the attendant park and woodland retreat are as good as any for relaxing.

Where stay*

*Don’t forget to budget accordingly for the 10R a night tourism tax. Not just in Borneo, but in Malaysia generally.

There are many hotels dotted around Mukah. The aforementioned Anderson-esque Kingswood (call +60 84 874996) is the undoubted central jewel, with rates starting from 150R a night.

The more budget conscious could do worse than head for Hotel Sarina (call +60 84 872659),above, a short walk from the Bus Terminal. En-suite rooms from 65R. Alternatively, the Royal Inn, below, close to the boulevard (+60 84 874333) has en-suites from 52R. Both have plenty of amenities nearby although Wi-Fi connection is patchy.

Get there and away

Terminal Bas Mukah is centrally located with regular transport serving major Borneo destinations as far as Pontianak. A ride to Sibu costs 50R and should take 3-4 hours; expect the same if heading for Miri.

The airport, with flights operated by MasWings, connects Mukah to Borneo destinations Miri and Kuching. Check online for prices and times.

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